PAX East is totally different from the types of conventions I attend. I normally attend the typical anime / comic type convention. PAX East is more of a trade show - most of the action is on the showroom floor. Much of the focus was given to up and coming games. I did like how some rooms had old school consoles for all the retro people. I really did feel that there was something for everyone at this event. Even for someone who is very casual, but loves rythmn games and Pokemon, this was a really fun experience.

What really sets this apart from the usual anime conventions is the demographic and maturity of the attendees. Most of the attendees were college students or have graduated from some college. Additionally, PAX East is also a family friendly event. It was not surprising to see people bring in their 10 or 12 year olds to this event. People were mature and there was not much obnoxious fanboying or fangirling. I found people approachable and easy to chat with.

I did enjoy the Saturday night dance hosted by Cursed. I really did not know what to expect, but if anime conventions have raves, this event had a club. It was really strange being in a club type setting with nerds. While I did Tao at CES years ago, most of the nerds were texting instead of drinking and dancing. I'm still surprised it took the "Harlem Shake," as hackneyed as it is, to get everyone on the dance floor. I liked that it played my type of music that I would like to dance to, but I could have done without the Miley Cyrus.

It was also nice meeting people in the nerd press - Boston Bastard Brigade, Electrc Sistahood, and of course, spending quality time with Anime Jam Session. At anime cons, I usually spend time with cosplayers and photographers, but here, I like that people involved in press get respect. Journalism is actually recognized more here than at anime conventions. As someone who enjoys doing convention coverage as a side hobby, this is a great networking event to meet other people involved in nerdy press.

As someone who is a very casual gamer, I would reccomend this event to almost anyone who loves games. If you can get your passes early on, that would be the best way to go. Resale tickets get very expensive. If you're curious, I would reccomend going for a day just to check it out. If you're local, it's very easy to get to. It's a hop, skip, and a jump from the red line station. Of if you don't want to walk, you could always take the silver line to World Trade Center.

Overall, my expectations were met at PAX East. I would return as a regular attendee, but I will still do event coverage. Getting in as media is pretty hard since they do ask for a business license and they prefer to have press to cover showroom exhibits.

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